What Happens to Wind Turbine Blades After They Die? | Dr. Paul Leahy | TEDxKlagenfurt
AI Summary
The video discusses the challenges and potential solutions for repurposing decommissioned wind turbine blades, which are made of a composite material that is difficult to recycle. It highlights that traditionally, the end-of-life solution has been landfill, but there are innovative approaches being explored. A community of researchers called ‘Rewind’ has been formed to find sustainable and economically feasible solutions. They emphasize the importance of creating new structures using repurposed blades instead of conventional materials, decreasing their environmental impact. The video showcases the construction of a bridge using repurposed wind turbine blades, demonstrating their strength and viability for new purposes. Additionally, it calls for reform in building regulations to facilitate the use of repurposed materials. The speaker envisions a future where a ‘blade superstore’ exists, allowing designers to easily find and utilize old blades for new constructions, contributing to sustainability efforts in the face of growing environmental challenges.